V.C.'s gained
in the Salient.
The Ypres Times. 161
Captain Clarence Smith JEFFRIES,
34th Bn. Australian Infantry.
For most conspicuous bravery in attack,
when his company was held up by enemy
machine-gun fire from concrete emplace
ments. Organising a party, he rushed one
emplacement, capturing four machine guns
and thirty-five prisoners. He then led his
company forward under extremely heavy
enemy artillery barrage and enfilade
machine-gun fire to the objective.
Tater, he again organised a successful
attack on a machine-gun emplacement,
capturing two machine-guns and thirty
more prisoners.
This gallant officer was killed during the
attack, but it was entirely due to his braverv
and initiative that the centre of the attack
was not held up for a lengthy period. His
example had a most inspiring influence.
London Gazette, iSth December, 1917.
No. 456, Sergeant Lewis McGEE,
40th Bn. Australian Infantry.
For most conspicuous bravery when in
the advance to the final objective, Sgt.
McGee led his platoon with great dash and
bravery, though strongly opposed, and
under heavy shell fire.
His platoon was suffering severely, and
the advance of the Company was stopped
by machine-gun fire from a Pill-box
post. Single-handed Sgt. McGee rushed
the post armed only with a revolver. He
shot some of the crew and captured the
rest, and thus enabled the advance to pro
ceed. He re-organised the remnants of his
platoon and was foremost in the remainder
of the advance, and during consolidation of
the position he did splendid work.
This non-commissioned officer's coolness
and braven' were conspicuous and contri
buted largely to the success of the Com
pany's operations. Sgt. McGee was sub
sequently killed in action.
London Gazette, 26th November, 1917.
